Sunday, November 30, 2008

City Manager or City leaders, which do we need?

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/30/08 BY Terry Bankert

A conversation with the Flint Journal Editorial Sunday 11/30/08 Journal article in quotes.

THE FLINT JOURNAL IS CREATING/ORCHESTRATING COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR CHANGE.

“With talk heating up about casting off Flint's "strong mayor" system in favor of a hired manager form, many must feel the city's faltering government needs fixing. But is this the right fix”

TRB: The only heat is the coverage of the Flint Journal manipulating a League of Woman study group into something it is not. Once again the Journal beats the drum to the disenfranchise Flint voters.

“The city is gearing up for its second mayoral recall election within about seven years. Mayor Don Williamson and the City Council have seemed incapable of setting a budget without traipsing to court for judicial help to settle their insurmountable differences. The only reprieve from years of governmental dysfunction seemed to come along after the 2002 mayoral recall, when the state imposed a financial manager to restore solvency and largely suspended the city charter.”

TRB: Close, the real problem is how our leaders interact.

“No wonder the local League of Women Voters is studying possible scenarios for charter revision, including a scrapping of the ward system in favor a council elected at-large.”

TRB:The Journal writes this like it is a forgone conclusion.That these are the answers. They are not the changes we need. The answer is in the people who choose to become active in this community.

“This discussion can be healthy and productive, as long as it does not raise impossible expectations. A new charter by itself will not guarantee candidates for office who show true leadership and are held in esteem for the long haul, let alone get them elected. “

TRB: Here the Journal moves close to a mature analysis.

“Nor should we delude ourselves about the rigors that charter revision entails. The process would take many months and could even stretch into years, beginning with a vote on whether to even elect a charter commission. After much work, a proposed document might be rejected.”

TRB: This insight should reach a conclusion different from the paragraph that follows.

“Despite those caveats, Flint remains a far different city than in 1974, when the current charter was adopted. The strong mayoral form was favored then as the best way instill accountability and to draw talented leadership.”

TRB: The strong Mayor is still the best vehicle. What is needed is a Mayor that builds coalitions for change and a council that understands its budget responsibility and the role of legislative oversight.

“Now, the question is whether Flint would be better served by a swing back to a weak-mayor form of government, with a professional city manager or administrator.”

TRB: The Journal advocates that the above question is before us , it is not. The professional manager is embedded in the current charter by the city administrator position. Where is the Journal on compliance with the current charter? Clueless come to mind.

“Perhaps an even better solution might not be a city manager at all, but rather a regional government, though the structure of charter townships in Michigan would make that hard to achieve.”

TRB: Once again the tired promotion of the Journal for regional government or county executive. A private sector like model regularly rejected by our communities. Dogma is not leadership.

“As for how members of council are elected, the ward system has its pluses and minuses, as does the idea of electing council members at-large. Some communities have had good experiences with a blended system, where some are elected by ward and others represent the city as a whole.”

TRB: Nothing will change with the current blend of people and/or how they act with one another. Our culture of politics must change. That will occur with new people investing in the politics and public policy advocacy of this city. Not to immediately become leaders but to engage , learn, build coalitions and lead in the future.

“So let talk of a new charter take into account all of this, while minds remain open to all possibilities. But wherever it leads, this much is certain: A charter is merely a written guide and will work no more or less admirably than the people who navigate through it. True leadership will find its expression within whatever set of guidelines it is handed.”

TRB: The issue is true leadership. How do we get it?

Posted here by Terry Bankert

[f] http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/voices/index.ssf/2008/11/flint_journal_editorial_revisi.html 106817

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Friday, November 28, 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Obama stimuls plan , begins in ...Flint

I heard that the nations first new business caused by the anticipated Obama Stimulus Plan is right here in Flint Michigan at 3919 Clio Road. I went to find it and came back with this video. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157610036279904/show/ For faster service, please call ahead. Terry

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Gossip: Flint wants City manager?

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
BY Terry Bankert 1/21/08
http://attorneybankert.com/

CITY MANAGER GOSSIP IN FLINT MI USA

A small group of community advocates, The Flint Journal and the League of Women Voters have started their own “New push... to cut Flint mayor's power, change city government” quotes from[ The Flint Journal Friday November 21, 2008, 10:18 PM]

The Flint Journal calls them “ Local leaders”.

Who elected them?

It continues to say by its absence that they are not building a coalition nor are they seeking expert advice they are “ mulling plans”.

We get a weekend lead story from this pablim. Oh sign me up to listen to this recycled nonsense. In a town full of Phd’s , several great Universities we get a news lead that the Flint Journals self described leaders are "Mulling. "

Give me a break.

This is another Flint Journal Led manipulation of its print media monopoly status to feed us their politcal agenda. Now is not the time to shoot from the hip causing a change in governmental structure “ that could fundamentally change the way the city operates -- including stripping the mayor of his far-reaching powers.”

Local Government 101

Politics is resource allocation by way of electing people who make public policy choices that affect community resources and public service delivery.

Good Government is not the form of government it’s the quality of the people in it or the strength of the coalitions that advocate policy to it or cause the election of the people who make these decisions.

We have a good City Charter that has never been properly executued and was severly harmed when the city council terms went from 2 yrs to four years making the council less accountable.

You want to improve Flint get involved.

Please sign me up to debate that we should keep the Current Charter, change the council terms back to 2 years, and help build a community coalition to create pressure to cause compliance with the great charter that we have. But don’t complain to me that the form of our government should be changed just because you and your friends don’t have more influence. Get active and make a difference.

Other pearls of wisdom suggested by the Flint Journal kitchen cabinet.

1.”A city manager in charge.” Think Rapp and Patt...[still can’t spell his name]

2.”eliminates the strong-mayor form now in use.” Creates a strong council, do you want to make the current council...stronger?

3.”council members elected by voters from throughout the city” Really?..that means one power group can elect the entire council?

4. Listen to this sentence.”The change in city government is part of an overall movement to give the city's charter an overhaul. “ The Flint Journal is blowing smoke. There is no movement!

5.”Williamsons response: "Whatever the people decide, I would abide to it." He knows it will not happen and if it does he can still control it.

6.”City Council members and the local League of Women Voters already are studying the possibility.” Just what are they studying, when is the next meeting, who are the council members and why is the League taking a position on such a political issue?

7.”... the league will have a few more meetings, and in several weeks they will ask for community input by hosting public forums.” Well here’s your commuinity input it’s a dumb idea.

8.[A spokesperson]” said the league is not ready to take a stance on any of the issues regarding the charter.” You just did!

9.”The council could place issues on the ballot to amend the charter.” If they do lets put up the question council terms should return to 2 yrs.

10.”If a wholesale revision of the charter is proposed, the city would elect charter commission members who would write an entirely new charter and put it up for a vote of the people.” Who elects the Charter Commision, the voters influenced by the same coalitions that have brought us our current elected officals. Nothing will change.

11.”Realistically, the earliest a vote could take place is May.” Thats a low turn out election why not the August primary or November general. In a hurry, want a low turnout election?

12.”Councilman Ehren Gonzales said he believes the city should go to a city manager form of government. The city manager would be chosen by the council.” Let me see here ...what is really at play..if you want to run the city in the future..but can’t get elected to it ...but can elect a council favorable to you.... then change the form of government.... and you get to pick the city manager who will be an ally of yours. Naw ...thats far too Machivallian..

13."It would reduce the amount of infighting we would have between the mayor and the City Council," Gonzales said. "It would be a more professional form of government." The literature is clear managers get thrown out every 4-7 years and the council continues to be power blocks at each others throat. Look to Clio.

14"The city switched from a city manager format to a strong mayor in the 1970s in part due to the council constantly firing and hiring city managers. Gonzales said safeguards could be built into the system to prevent that from happening again.” There are no safe guards..name one..Pick a city manager for life? Takes a popular vote to take out that manager..The manager stays as long as Gonzales wants him?

15"John West Jr., who served on the 1974 charter commission, said the strong mayor system works fine. If there's problems, the voters take care of it through elections.” A voice of reason.

16."People are confused about what's wrong with city government. It's not that the form of government is wrong. It's the choices that are made in who runs the city," West said.” Bingo!

17.”West said he could see some minor tweaks in the charter that would smooth out some balance-of-power issues, including giving the council more authority to make some hires and appoint its own attorney.” I agree. The council must be returned to 2 yr terms. Other areas of charter intent that are not being executed should be corrected.

18.”Councilman Scott Kincaid also is proposing that the city attorney and the finance director -- both of which now are appointed by the mayor -- should be hired through the city's civil service system. “ Now here’s the voice of the champion of professionalism.

19 “Councilman Sheldon Neeley advocated in favor of eliminating wards, but he said a lot of issues need to be talked about.” Mr. Neely usually has good things to say.. I am listening. 20."We need to start a dialogue to unite this city," Neeley said.” I agree

Posted here by

Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/

105526

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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Bio dad told by the Court of Appeals..getoutaahere!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
SATURDAY 11/22/08
BY Terry Bankert

Issues:
1.BIOLOGICAL FATHER TRYING TO AVOID PAYING OF CHILD SUPPORTS WANTS THE EX HUSBAND TO PAY EVEN THOUGH DNA SHOW WHO THE FATHER IS?
Paternity action; Whether the defendant-L. (biological father) had standing to assert equitable estoppel prevented third-party defendant-R. (plaintiff-mother's former spouse) from "revoking" paternity; Dressel v. Ameribank; Maiden v. Rozwood; West v. General Motors Corp.; Corley v. Detroit Bd. of Educ.; Karbel v. Comerica Bank; Killingbeck v. Killingbeck; Tanielian v. Brooks; MCR 2.204(A)(1);

2.BIO DAD FRANTIC TO AVOID PAYING CHILD SUPPORT YELLS " EQUITABLE ESTOPPEL, THE COURTS SAY ...NOT!
Whether the trial court's failure to conduct a hearing on the issues of equitable estoppel and the "equitable parent" doctrine denied defendant procedural due process; Hinky Dinky Supermarket, Inc. v. Department of Cmty. Health; Reed v. Reed;

3.BIO DADA SAYS MOM SHOULD NOT HAVE BEN ALLOWED TO START ACTION AGAINST BIO DAD.
Whether plaintiff had standing to initiate the paternity action; Manuel v. Gill; Barnes v. Jeudevine; Opland v. Kiesgan;

4.BIO DAD SAYS THIS BABY NEEDED A GUARDIAN AD LITEM
Whether the trial court erred in failing to appoint a guardian ad litem; Fletcher v. Fletcher; The Child Custody Act (MCL 722.21 et seq.); The Paternity Act; Sinicropi v. Mazurek;

5.ATTORNEYS FEES?
Whether the trial court should have awarded attorney fees under MCR 7.216(C)(1)(a) and (2); MCR 7.211©)(8)
-[This case as presented has been modified for media presentation. Consult the original and an attorney before you rely on its contents. Terry Bankert 11/22/08]
--
SUMMARY-THE UPPER COURT AGREED WITH THE LOWER COURT
[long version at http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2008/11/bio-dad-told-bt-court-of.html ]
6.BIO DAD CANNOT CHALLENGE A DIVORCE JUDGEMENT WHERE HUSBAND SAYS " THAT BABY’S NOT MINE" AND MOM AGREES.
The court held the defendant-L. (the biological father) lacked standing to challenge third-party defendant-R.'s (plaintiff-mother's former husband) support obligation.

7.BABIES ARE PRESUMED OF THE MARRIAGE UNLESS A COURT SAYS THE CHILD IS NOT.
Although B. was born during plaintiff's marriage to R., plaintiff and R. stipulated in their consent judgment of divorce R. was not B.'s biological father.

8.AFTER THE COURT SAYS THE CHILD NOT OF THE MARRIAGE MOM HAS A RIGHT TO SEEK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE REAL FATHER.
Plaintiff subsequently initiated the instant paternity suit against L. seeking an order of filiation and child support payments.

9.DNA SAYS YOU’RE THE DADDY.
A DNA test indicated a 99.999997 percent probability L. is B.'s biological father.

10.BIO DAD SAYS THE COURT IS WRONG .HUSBAND HELD HIMSELF OUT TO BE THE FATHER, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE LET HIM OFF THE HOOK.
L. argued he had standing to assert equitable estoppel prevented R. from "revoking" paternity where R. "held himself out" to be B.'s father before R. and plaintiff divorced.

11.THE COURT TELL BIO DAD:" GET OUT OF THE ROOM". YOU DON’T BELONG HERE ON THE ISSUE OF THE DIVORCE BETWEEN MOM AND HUSBAND.
The court held under Tanielian, the biological father "is not the proper party to raise this argument," as he "cannot ‘appeal' from the judgment of divorce in which [the mother] and [the former husband] were parties."

12.COURT TELL BIO DAD EVEN IF YOU ARE RIGHT YOU DON’T GET ANYTHING(REMEDY).
Even if R. were considered B.'s "equitable parent," R. would not be liable to L., he would be liable to B., the child. Affirmed.

13.WHERE DID THIS COME FROM?
S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N C O U R T O F A P P E A L S
JEAN E. IRWIN,Plaintiff-Appellee,UNPUBLISHED,e-Journal Number: 41074
November 18, 2008,v No. 285398,Macomb Circuit Court,LEO OLIVER GENNETTE, LC No. 2007-005456-DP,Defendant/Third-Party-Plaintiff-Appellant, v RICHARD IRWIN
Third-Party-Defendant/Appellee.Before: Zahra, P.J., and Cavanagh and Meter, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
-

14.THE LOWER COURT GRANTED SUMMARY DISPOSITION AGAINST BIO DAD
Defendant/Third-Party-Plaintiff (defendant) appeals as of right the trial court’s order
granting plaintiff’s motion for summary disposition and determination of paternity.
THE COURT OF APPEALS AGREED.
We affirm.

15.BACKGROUND
This case arises out of the paternity determination regarding Bret Irwin, plaintiff’s son.
Although born during plaintiff’s marriage to third-party-defendant, Richard Irwin, plaintiff and
Richard stipulated in their consent judgment of divorce that Richard was not Bret’s biological
father. Plaintiff subsequently initiated the instant paternity suit against defendant seeking an
order of filiation and child support payments. A DNA test indicated a 99.999997 percent
probability that defendant is Bret’s biological father. On appeal, defendant argues that he has
standing to assert that equitable estoppel prevents Richard from "revoking" paternity where
Richard "held himself out" to be Bret’s father before he and plaintiff divorced. We disagree.

16.WHAT IS A MOTION FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION?
This Court reviews de novo an appeal from an order granting summary disposition
pursuant to MCR 2.116©)(10). Dressel v Ameribank, 468 Mich 557, 561; 664 NW2d 151
(2003). A motion for summary disposition pursuant to MCR 2.116©)(10) should be granted
when the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law because there is no genuine
issue of material fact. Maiden v Rozwood, 461 Mich 109, 120; 597 NW2d 817 (1999). A
genuine issue of material fact exists when reasonable minds could differ after drawing
reasonable inferences from the record. West v Gen Motors Corp, 469 Mich 177, 183; 665 NW2d
468 (2003). In reviewing this issue, the Court must consider the pleadings, affidavits,
depositions, admissions, and other documentary evidence and construe them in light most
favorable to the nonmoving party. Corley v Detroit Bd of Ed, 470 Mich 274, 278; 681 NW2d
342 (2004). If the nonmoving party would bear the burden of proof at trial, that party must show
there is a genuine issue of material fact by setting forth documentary evidence. Karbel v
Comerica Bank, 247 Mich App 90, 97; 635 NW2d 69 (2001).

17.WHAT IS A DE NOVO REVIEW?
This Court employs a de novo standard of review to issues concerning the applicability of equitable estoppel and the equitable parent doctrine, as well as the issue of standing. Killingbeck v Killingbeck, 269 Mich App 132, 141; 711 NW2d 759 (2005).

18.WHAT IS STANDING
The issue of standing to address such equitable claims was addressed by this Court in
Tanielian v Brooks, 202 Mich App 304, 508 NW2d 189 (1993).

18.A There, a child was born during
the Tanielians marriage to whom the husband was not the biological father. The Tanielians
divorced and the divorce decree was later modified terminating the former husband’s parental
rights to the child. The child’s mother filed a paternity action requesting the biological father
pay child-support. The biological father then filed a third-party complaint alleging that the
former husband was the "equitable" parent of the child and obligated to pay the child support
requested in the mother’s complaint against him.

18.B.This Court noted that "MCR 2.204(A)(1) provides in part that ‘a defending party, as a
third-party plaintiff, may serve a summons and complaint on a person not a party to the action
who is or may be liable to the third-party plaintiff for all or part of the plaintiff’s claim.’"
Tanielian, supra at 308. Tanielian opined that, "[e]ven if defendant were successful in
demonstrating that under certain circumstances [the former husband] might have been held to be
obligated to support [the child], it cannot be said that [the former husband] is a person who is
liable to [the biological father] for any part of [the mother’s] claim." Id. In other words, even if
Richard were considered Bret’s "equitable parent," Richard would not be liable to defendant; he
would be liable to Bret. For this reason the Tanielian court concluded that, "[d]efendant cannot
alter his child support obligations by finding another party upon whom that obligation might
otherwise have fallen." Id.
Tanielian further noted that the biological father "has no standing to raise the issue of
[the former husband’s] potential support obligation." Supra at 309. This Court stated that the
biological father "is not the proper party to raise this argument," as he "cannot ‘appeal’ from the
judgment of divorce in which [the mother] and [the former husband] were parties." Tanielian is
indistinguishable from the present case. We therefore conclude that defendant lacks standing to
challenge Richard’s support obligation.

19.BIO DAD YELLS..I DID NOT GET MY HEARING..YOU HAVE DENIED MY RIGHTS
Next, defendant argues that the trial court’s failure to conduct a hearing on the issues of
equitable estoppel and the equitable parent doctrine denied him procedural due process. We
disagree.

20.THE COURT SAYS ..YOUR WRONG, MOOT AND JUST GENERALLY SHOULD NOT BE HERE..GO GET YOUR LIFE LIBERTY AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IN A DIFFERENT CASE.
Our conclusion that defendant lacks standing to assert these equitable claims renders
this issue moot—a party that lacks standing has no due process to be heard.

21. BIO DAD WITH DUE RESPECT EVEN IF YOU COULD BE HERE YOUR DUE PROCESS WAS NOT OFFENDED
Even if the defendant had standing to assert these equitable claims, defendant’s due process claims would nonetheless fail. "The United States and Michigan constitutions preclude the government from depriving a person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." Hinky Dinky Supermarket, Inc v Dep’t of Community Health, 261 Mich App 604, 605; 683 NW2d 759 (2004) US Const, AmXIV; Const 1963, art 1, § 17. "[D]ue process is a flexible concept, the essence of which is to ensure fundamental fairness. Procedure in a particular case is constitutionally sufficient when there is notice of the nature of the proceedings and a meaningful opportunity to be heard by an impartial decision maker." Reed v Reed, 265 Mich App 131, 159; 693 NW2d 825 (2005).

21 A..Defendant was not denied procedural due process.

21.B.First, the consent judgment of divorce does not in any way incorporate defendant in the divorce proceedings.

21.C.To the contrary, the divorce judgment specifically pertained to the determination that Richard was not Bret’s father and indicated plaintiff’s agreement to seek an order of filiation with respect to Bret.

21.D. IT’S THE REQUEST FOR MONEY NOT THE DIVORCE THAT GOT YOUR ATTENTION BIO DAD. GETOUTTTAHERE!
It is [mom’s]plaintiff’s attempt to seek a filiation order and not her divorce action that brings defendant into litigation. Defendant has been given full and complete notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard in this paternity litigation. Consequently, defendant has not been denied any procedural due process rights.1

22.BIO DAD SAYS THAT MOM HAS NO RIGHT TO HIS MONEY FOR THE CHILD.
Defendant next contends that plaintiff lacked standing to initiate this paternity action
because the determination of Richard’s paternity in the consent judgment of divorce was
insufficient as a matter of law. We disagree. Whether a party has standing is reviewed de novo.
Manuel v Gill, 481 Mich 637, 642; 753 NW2d 48 (2008).

23. AFTER LAYING DOWN YOU GET STANDING IN A PATERNITY ACTION.MOM DID ALL SHE NEEDED TO DO TO GET YOUR RAGGED SELF INTO COURT FOR YOUR MONEY.
"[T]o have standing to seek a determination of paternity, it is necessary for plaintiff to
establish that a court ‘has determined’ that there was a child born or conceived during the
marriage and that the child was not an issue of the marriage[,]" i.e., that the child was "born out
of wedlock." Barnes v Jeudevine, 475 Mich 696, 703; 718 NW2d 311 (2006); MCL
722.711(a).2 In Opland v Kiesgan, 234 Mich App 352, 359-360; 594 NW2d 505 (1999),

24. A JUDGEMENT SAID HUSBAND NOT THE DADDY...[they were separated and had nothing to do with each other when bio daddy went to work!]
...this Court determined that an amended consent judgment of divorce sufficiently constituted a
prior determination overcoming the presumption of legitimacy where the judgment stated that the
court made a factual determination based on the parties’ stipulation "that although they were
married at the time [the child] was conceived, they were separated at that time and had no
opportunity for any sexual relationship."

25. THE DIVORCE COURT DID ITS JOB IT WAS SPECIFIC THE CHILD NOT OF THE MARRIAGE.
In contrast, the Supreme Court in Barnes found that the trial court failed to render a prior
determination overcoming the presumption of legitimacy where the default judgment of divorce
merely indicated that "there appeared to be no children born of or expected from the marriage."
Barnes, supra at 704. In arriving at this conclusion, the Court explained: "a court determination
under MCL 722.711(a) that a child is not ‘the issue of the marriage’ requires that there be an
1 Defendant also maintains that the trial court erred in refusing to allow additional discovery.
However, summary disposition may be appropriate where further discovery does not stand a
reasonable chance of uncovering further factual support for the opposing party. Hasselbach v
TG Canton, Inc, 209 Mich App 475, 482; 531 NW2d 715 (1994). Therefore, given that
defendant lacked standing to raise equitable estoppel and equitable parenthood, this argument
fails.

26.WHAT IS THE PATERNITY ACT?
2 The Paternity Act defines a "[c]hild born out of wedlock" as "a child begotten and born to a
woman who was not married from the conception to the date of birth of the child, or a child that
the court has determined to be a child born or conceived during a marriage but not the issue of
that marriage." MCL 722.711(a). affirmative finding regarding the child’s paternity in a prior legal proceeding that settled the controversy between the mother and the legal father." Id. at 705.
The judgment in this case satisfied the prior determination requirement regarding Bret’s
legitimacy. Although the court made no specific finding that plaintiff and Richard were
separated at the time of Bret’s conception, the court expressly questioned Richard during the
divorce proceeding in regard to whether he was Bret’s father. Additionally, the judgment was
not entered by default. Rather, like Opland, the judgment reflected the Irwins’ stipulation that
the child was not an issue of their marriage. This determination settled any controversy between
plaintiff and Richard in regard to Bret’s legitimacy. Therefore, the consent judgment of divorce
satisfied the prior determination requirement, and plaintiff had standing to bring the instant
paternity action.

26. GRASPING AT STRAWS BIO DAD WHINE...THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GUARDIAN... IT’S A CONSPIRACY..POOR ME...
Finally, defendant asserts that the trial court erred in failing to appoint a guardian ad
litem. We disagree. Because "[t]o whom custody is granted is a discretionary dispositional
ruling," this Court reviews the court’s decision whether to appoint a guardian ad litem for an
abuse of discretion. Fletcher v Fletcher, 447 Mich 871, 880; 526 NW2d 889 (1994).
Defendant cites the Child Custody Act, MCL 722.21 et seq., in arguing that the trial court
failed to appoint a guardian ad litem. Although this is a paternity action, the Paternity Act and
Child Custody Act are to be considered in pari materia. Sinicropi v Mazurek, 273 Mich App
149, 157; 729 NW2d 256 (2006). "Statutes in pari materia are to be read and construed together
as one law even if they were enacted at different times and without specific reference to each
other." Id.

27. BIO DAD LACKED STANDING, HAD THE LAW WRONG, GETOUTAHERE
Defendant lacks standing to request a guardian ad litem given that he bases his request on
grounds of equitable estoppel. Indeed, as noted supra, defendant lacks standing to assert this
doctrine on Bret’s behalf. In any event, his argument fails.

28.WHAT IS A GUARDIAN AD LITEM
Regarding the appointment of a guardian ad litem, the Child Custody Act provides in
relevant part: "If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the child’s best
interests are inadequately represented, the court may appoint a lawyer-guardian ad litem to
represent the child[.]" MCL 722.24(2).3 Defendant maintains that because Bret looked to
Richard as his father and because the Irwins conspired to terminate Richard’s obligations to Bret,
"Bret’s interests may have been compromised." However, there is no support in the record for
these allegations. To the contrary, in attempting to obtain an order of filiation, plaintiff was
acting in Bret’s best interests. Therefore, the court did not abuse its discretion in denying
defendant’s request for a guardian ad litem.

28.HUSBAND SAYS I WANT MONEY FOR HAVING TO HIRE A MOUTH PIECE TO DEFEND ME ON THESE LAME CLAIMS..LOSES
Richard argues that because defendant’s third-party complaint is frivolous, this Court
should award attorney fees under MCR 7.216(C)(1)(a) and (2). This claim fails.4 MCR
3 A guardian ad litem is defined as "an individual whom the court appoints to assist the court in
determining the child’s best interests." MCL 722.22(e).
4 We note that the trial court previously denied Richard’s request for sanctions on the grounds
7.216©) permits this Court on motion of a party under MCR 7.211©)(8)5 to assess damages,
including attorney fees, for appeals "taken for purposes of hindrance or delay or without any
reasonable basis for belief that there was a meritorious issue to be determined on appeal." Here,
Richard’s request for attorney fees is improper because he raised this issue in his brief rather than
in a separate motion under MCR 7.211©)(8).
I DID NOT KNOW THIS NOW I DO......
"A party’s request for damages or other disciplinary action under
MCR 7.216©) must be contained in a motion filed under this rule. A request that is contained in
any other pleading, including a brief filed under MCR 7.212, will not constitute a motion under
this rule. A party may file a motion for damages or other disciplinary action under MCR
7.216©) at any time within 21 days after the date of the order or opinion that disposes of the
matter that is asserted to have been vexatious
--
Posted here by
Terry Bankert 11/21/08
[CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE YOU RELY ON THE ABOVE .THERE HAVE BEEN MODIFICATIONS FOR MEDIA PRESENTATION]
http://attorneybankert.com/

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Melvin McCree

Melvin McCree Tribute http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157609590305734/show

Melvin McCree wasn't your average politician.

I attended the McCree Tribute at the Sarvis Center in Flint , other attendes were a Whos Who of those that care about Flint Michigan.

Said our Lt. Governor John Cherry"He was always prepared to step out and up for issues that he felt were important," Cherry continued "We really have to remember how he carried himself, because we all should carry ourselves the right way."

Melvin McCree, 55, a former Flint City Councilman and Register of Deeds, died Nov. 12.

About 300 people packed the Sarvis Center Thursday for a dinner in tribute to McCree. The event Master of Ceremony was Former Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley. Stanley did a classy job.

The dinner raised money for a scholarship fund in McCree's honor. McCree was everyone's friend, and he treated people with respect, said Raynetta Speed, Genesee County commissioner.

Melvin was Flint City Council President while I was City Clerk. He was one of the best minds in Public Service.

He will be missd.

Terry Bankert

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Monday, November 17, 2008

BAIL OUT...GM.....

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/16/08
By: Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/

1 in 10 jobs in USA tied to the Auto Mobile Industry. If GM fails, we will pick up the tab for pensions, health care and more. Its better to deal with this on the front side.
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COMMENTS OF GOVERNOR GRANDHOLM
http://money.cnn.com/video/#/video/news/2008/11/13/news.auto.111308.cnnmoney

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In Flint we have been at the beginning and are still a central participant as a city in the United States Automobile Industry. We feel the pain of industry adjustments before it impacts on the country. What is facing us now is not more economic pain but the end of an era or way of life for us, and you. The champions of private industry and unrestraint supply and demand paradigms now are hat in hand to congress asking to be bailed out. Much like our alcoholic uncle who goes to his family head for mortgage payments, utilities and food. Events over the next month could determine if that uncle General Motors lives or dies economically , along with millions of families tied to the Auto mobile Industry. He can be saved month to month with family money but the problem is long term , its alcoholism. With GM we must save it to save our selves. Here the underlying problem is a non competitive corporation in the north that had the snot beaten out of it by foreign named corporations overseas and in the Souther US. Its alcoholism is addiction to cheap fuel not a commitment to alternative energy." "This week, Congress will consider whether to cough up billions of dollars to bail out the troubled companies." Its your money, your country, and your economic life at stake. You should be interested and have an opinion. Do you?
ONE VIEW SAYS " GIVE THEM THE MONEY!"
Proponents of a bailout say that the industry is a victim of the global financial crisis. Wall Street has been bailed out, so why not Detroit?
The advocates of a bailout insist that the risk of failure is too great - that even the best case scenario for bankruptcy would be too great a shock to the struggling U.S. economy.
ONE VIEW SAYS " CAPITALISM ONLY WORKS WHEN INEFFICIENT COMPANIES FAIL WHILE EFFICIENT COMPANIES PROSPER, DO NOT GIVE THEM THE MONEY!"
"On the other side are those who feel just as strongly that the automakers' problems are their own doing, born of bad business decisions, uncompetitive labor agreements and vehicles that Americans have decided are second-rate. They say a bailout will only postpone the inevitable, and that the failure of one or more of the companies is necessary if the economy is to work properly."

The critics of federal help say a bailout would be throwing good money after bad - something the government can't afford to do after already promising close to a trillion dollars for other bailouts. Stay tuned.
MY VIEW: Bail out financial system and core industries. We did not do this in 1929 and suffered the great depression. In the long run this financial system and core industries must be forced to pay us back with Universal Health Care and Quality Public education. These core industries must be force to commit R&D to alternative energy and ween us from oil dependency. Congress must do a better job at protecting our economic borders from foreign monopolistic competition.
Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/
PS- look at Governors Grandholms Blog on "Blogging for Michgian".
My stuff looks so weak compared to hers I almost.....?

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Obama theme song!

AMERICA’S NOW DEMOCRATIC (AND)
I woke up and realized my leader is a centrist, so I must have been one all along.

“Centrists are ideologically flexible. Centrists recognize the complexity of public policy choices and look to many kinds of solutions. Which solution depends on the circumstances, the problem, and the public interest. Ideologues repeat their slogans with little regard to the specific policy problem at hand. Conservatives shout "private good, public bad." Liberals shout "public good, private bad." By contrast, the centrist movement can show politicians how to use both the private and public sectors (often in combination) to creatively solve problems that we would otherwise just shout about. -- Centrists.Org”
http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz-score/centrist-whatcentrist-define.html

So how do I help get the word out like the political evangelical I am?

A theme song, we need a theme song!

My submission for the Obama Centrist theme song! Anda... one ..two ..three....sing to Sister Sledge “We are Family”.
---

We are Obamas centrist family I got all my brothers and sisters to see, we be conservative, liberals and centrist like me.

We are the political family ,centrist, you and me Get up ev'rybody and sing, SING IT LIKE SISTA SLEDGE....

Ev'ryone can see we're together As we walk on by

(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a political feather I won't tell no lie

(ALL!) all of the people around us they say Can they be that close?, can they be that right?, can they be that tight ?

WILL THEY SOVE OUR PLIGHT?

Just let me state for the record We're giving love in a family dose, us centrist keep everybody close. We are An Obama centrist family I got all my brothers and sisters with me, black , white , brown we just don’t clown! We are the political family centrist, you and me

Get up ev'rybody and sing Ev'ryone can see we're together As we walk on by

(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a political feather I won't tell no lie

(ALL!) all of the people around us they say Can they be that close, can they be that right, can they be that tight

WILL THEY SOVE OUR PLIGHT

Just let me state for the record We're giving love in a family dose Living life is fun and we've just begun To get our share of the world's delights

(HIGH!) high hopes we have for the future And our goal's in sight

(WE!) no we don't get depressed Here's what we call our golden rule Have faith in centrisim and the things you do You won't go wrong This is our family Jewel, the Obama Centerist Political Family.
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posted here by 11/11/08
Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/


TO ALL THE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES...THANK YOU!

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Saturday, November 8, 2008

GET INVOLVED NOW!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/08/09 Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/

POLITICAL EDUCATION!

America’s Now Democratic! It will not last unless we act!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?...who are we now?..what are our labels?..what is the new paradigm ?..what will be the Obama doctrine?..What will be the future role of the Political parties in this electronic instant communication age?...Just what label do we give our self that means anything?....But most importantly on a personal level are we Shepard or are we sheep?

For this brief fragile moment America’s Now Democratic (AND). Will we squander it. We cannot wait for conventions, state central meeting or elected officials parroting sound bites.

Just what is the democratic party today? [ note I use small d]

My point..join in this discussion...now...if you wait for the new paradigm of Democratic thought ,to be given to us by the big D corporate Democrats, this opportunity may / will be lost.

I repeat:The opportunity NOW BEFORE US will be forever lost if the party does not redefine itself.

Become a Shepard , guide and protect, not a sheep waiting to be herded to a new barn!

GET INVOLVED NOW....AMERICAS NOW DEMOCRATIC (AND)...But not for long in this new age. If we do not act to redefine our selves to reflect the electorate that has said; Its time for a change. We are with you democrats, in this election, but this shift is not permanent until you show us what you got as a party just as Obama will have to show us a President.

BANKERT PODCAST-GET INVOLVED...IN SOMETHING GET INVOLVED
#1 http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=181507607
Get involved #2 http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=181026415

Give me a call, invite me to speak to your group. I’ll show ya what I got! You should do the same!

Posted here by Terry Bankert (AND)
http://attorneybankert.com/


“If you want to be seen just show up and stand up. If you want to be heard just speak up. Do not wait to follow just lead.”

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Election...that was the easy part..we now have to get to work!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/06/08 By, Terry Bankert
http://attorneybankert.com/
I opened my mail this morning to see this message from my new Best Friend John Sweeney President of the AFL-CIO.
I agree with its contents I hope you will also.

-----

Dear Terry

Thank you!

Because of years of work by people of all ages, races, stations and faiths hungry for change, the political pendulum is swinging back toward sanity. It took the inspiration of a rare leader to translate that hunger for change into an election the likes of which we have not seen in our time. Barack Obama brings new hope to America’s working families, and our increased majority in the U.S. Senate means we can translate that hope into reality.

So thank you for your hard work in educating and mobilizing voters. Last night was a time to rejoice, but now it is time to get back to work fighting for working families. We are responsible for holding our elected leaders to the promises they made and providing public support for the tough legislative choices they will make on our behalf. The first challenge for Barack Obama, Joe Biden and the hundreds of great legislators we helped elect is to address the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Hard-working families are losing jobs, homes, health care, retirement savings and hope. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been committed to rescuing Wall Street—but almost nothing has been done to rescue Main Street. People need help, and they need it now. We need an immediate new recovery plan to jumpstart our economy, including provisions for: Restructuring mortgages to keep people in their homes; Extending unemployment assistance for jobless workers; and Aiding states so they can continue to provide vital public services We also desperately need to make job-creating infrastructure investments in schools, roads, bridges and clean renewable energy for sustained economic growth. We must reregulate our financial markets and reform America's broken health care system so no one has to choose between food and medicine or between life-saving treatment and bankruptcy.

These are the building blocks of a sustainable economy. But even with with those investments, our economy cannot work for everyone unless we restore worker's freedom to bargain for a better life.

To do that, we must enact the Employee Free Choice Act, which will: Level the playing field for corporations and workers who want to form and join unions; Strengthen penalties against companies that coerce or intimidate employees who support the union; Establish mediation and binding arbitration when the company and workers cannot agree on a first contract; and Enable employees to form unions when a majority signs authorization cards.

Instead of respecting workers' free choice about whether to form unions and bargain, corporations have formed multiple front groups to launch a massive campaign to defeat the Employee Free Choice Act. Those groups have pledged to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to attack and smear members of Congress who support the legislation. Count on this being one of the largest, foulest propaganda campaigns in our history.

This fight is their No. 1 priority, and it is ours as well. We need your support. When Barack Obama is sworn in Jan. 20, 2009, we want to deliver 1 million signatures in support of the Employee Free Choice Act to the president and the new Congress.

We need you to join our Million-Member Mobilization today. http://www.freechoiceact.org/page/s/aflcio?source=jjspostelection

America's unions—from the national level down to individual union members—are joining together to overcome the lies and distortions and win prompt passage of the Employee Free Choice Act to restore America's middle class. Workers who belong to unions earn 30 percent more than nonunion workers, are 59 percent more likely to have employer-provided health coverage and are four times more likely to have pensions.

Not surprisingly, more than half of U.S. workers—nearly 60 million—say they would join a union right now if they could. But not enough workers get the chance to join a union, because today's company-dominated system allows corporations to block workers from deciding for themselves whether to form unions to bargain for a better life.

Companies routinely intimidate, harass, coerce and even fire people who try to organize unions. This is an urgent problem for workers, blocking their free will and their ability to improve their economic well-being.

Join the Million-Member Mobilization in support of the Employee Free Choice Act today. http://www.freechoiceact.org/page/s/aflcio?source=jjspostelection

America's entire union movement is committed to passing the Employee Free Choice Act in 2009.

We will fight, just like we fought to win this election, to do so.

Yes we can, and yes we will!

Thank you again, John J. Sweeney AFL-CIO President
-----
Posted here by Terry Bankert 11/06/08
http://attorneybankert.com/

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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Regime change.......the American way!

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
By: Terry Bankert
ELECTION DAY 11/04/08 http://attorneybankert.com/

How to find your polling place?

1. Think real hard, where did you vote in August.

2.Look in your wallet for your voter registration card.

3.Ask your wife, she will remember.

4.Call your local clerk if you remember where you live.

5. If you do not remember where you live, Walk outside your house look at your address, check your drivers license for your birth date. Then contact the numbers below.......... Cheessse!

- Michigan Secretary of State polling place finder. https://services2.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/registeredvoter.aspx?vid=3580106

- Google Polling Place Finder http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http://maps.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/elections/2008/us-voter-info/us-voter-info.xml

- My choice for Genesee County election information. Michael Carr Genesee County Clerk Election Information. http://co.genesee.mi.us/clerk/election.htm

Carr also has provided you with Ballot Proposal information. http://co.genesee.mi.us/clerk/images/pdfs/2008GeneralProposalsForWeb.pdf

- THE ELECTION NIGHT PARTY IN GENESEE COUNTY YOU ALL ARE INVITED, PROVIDED BY Doug Weiland, Election Night Gatherings County Clerk Mike Carr will be counting ballots in the basement of the County Administration Building. Immediate results will be provided via Internet link in the Harris Auditorium, 3rd Floor of the County Building. Watch the results from anywhere on the planet over the Web at http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/clerk/images/Election%20results/CurrentElecResults/elecdata/SUMMARY.HTM

State Representative Rick Hammel will be at Gabby's, 6277 W. Pierson Road, Flushing at 8:00 PM.

State Representative Candidate Jim Slezak will be at Little Caesar's, 1081 S. State Road, Davison. Contacts are Bette at 618-4153 or Jim at 845-8803.

State Representative Candidate Michael J. Thorp, will be at Brick Street, 1223 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, 8:00 PM

Democratic Coordinated Campaign Party will be at UAW Local 599, 812 Leith Street, Flint, at 9 PM. Food and drinks provided.

Sponsored by: the UAW,
Michigan Campaign for Change (Obama/Biden),
Rick Hammel,
David Leyton,
Rose Bogardus,
5th District Democratic Committee,
Dale Kildee,
Dan Kildee,
Jeff Wright,
Brenda Clack,
Woodrow Stanley,
Jim Slezak,
Lee Gonzales
and the RWDSU.

Contact Dayne Walling, Regional GOTV Coordinator at dwalling@michiganforchange.com for information.

Those expected to be at the party include: State Representative Brenda Clack State Representative Lee Gonzales Congressman Dale Kildee County Treasurer Dan Kildee County Prosecutor David Leyton County Commission Chairman Woodrow Stanley County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright County Commissioner Rose Bogardus

Voters Rock Event, 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, sponsored by Planned Parenthood of East Central Michigan and the Greater Flint Creative Alliance, at Churchill's Food and Spirits, 340 S. Saginaw, Flint. Music, spoken word performances, activist speakers, food, drinks, prizes and televised election updates. FREE and open to the public. For information call 238-3631.

Southern Genesee County Democratic Club Victory Party, at John's Pizza, N. Leroy Street at Long Lake Road, Fenton, 8:00 PM to ?? Hot and cold food, cash bar, big screen TV election coverage, $10 per person. In the banquet room with friends, family and supporters of the Campaign for Change. RSVP to Elizabeth Dickens at 810-629-3519.

- Pssst; We were told to not speak to the press, so if you are please disregard the following.

I will be working on the Michigan Voter Protection as a polling place monitor at an undisclosed location in Genesee County Michigan. Because it’s the right thing to do. This is the third election I have volunteered for this duty. We had our training last Sunday.
See http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157608602962821/show/

Our job is to monitor Republican Challengers and report if the lines are being slowed down. American will be changed today, for the better.

These elections are what separates a Democracy from the rest of the hordes. Some countries cause regime change by bullets we do it by ballots under the rule of law. What a wonderful day to be an American. See ya on the other side.

Terry Bankert
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Saturday, November 1, 2008

Michigan Court of Appeals...Kelly

GOOD MORNING FLINT!
11/01/08 By Terry Bankert

Last night Halloween I found myself at a friends house in the neighborhood passing out candy. Former Flint resident, now Traverse City, Michael J. Kelly was there.

We knew each other but not socially. I was quite impressed with the discussion of law that followed. He is running for the Court of Appeals in the 4th district.

I would vote for him if I lived there. My New Best Friend The Michigan Court of Appeals candidate Michael J. Kelly. In our discussion I learned Mike Kelly has: Twenty years of experience in courtrooms throughout Michigan.

In over 100 trials he has sought justice for Michigan citizens. More than four dozen appeals in State and Federal Courts.

So some of you say ,What is the Court of Appeals? Created in 1963 under the Michigan State Constitution, the Court of Appeals is an “intermediate” appellate court between the Supreme Court and the Michigan trial courts. Final decisions resulting from a circuit or probate court hearing may be appealed to the Court of Appeals.

Every party has a right to file an appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Several thousand cases are resolved each year by the Court. The political boundaries of the Districts of this Court do not seem to make any sense.How is a District determined for the Court of Appeals? The Court of Appeals is divided into four districts that are determinded by the population of the counties whithin.

The Fourth District is by far the largest, holding 58 of Michigan’s 83 counties. How many judges sit on the Court of Appeals? There currently are 28 judges on the Court of Appeals. Hearings are held before a panel of three Court of Appeals’ judges and at least two of the three judges must agree on the ruling. The panels are frequently rotated so that a variety of judicial opinions are considered.

The decision of the panel is final except for those cases that the Supreme Court reviews. Where are the Court of Appeals hearings held? The Court sits in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Marquette.

Do Candidates run on a partisan basis? No. The Court of Appeals, like all judicial races, is non-partisan.

I strongly suggest that if you can to vote for Michael J. Kelly for the Court of Appeals?

Why you ask?

Because he has the necessary experience, work ethic and temperament for the Court.

For twenty years, Michael J. Kelly has represented people in courtrooms throughout Michigan. In over 100 trials he has sought justice for Michigan citizens.

Having worked for two decades in the courtrooms from where the appeals arise, Michael J. Kelly not only has the requisite knowledge of Michigan law, procedure and the rules of evidence essential for the court, but the practical experience of knowing what actually takes place in a trial.

This, combined with an extensive appellate background that includes over four dozen appeals in the Michigan Court of Appeals, Supreme Court and Federal Courts, makes Michael J. Kelly the right choice for the Court of Appeals.

IMPORTANT Remember to turn your ballot to the judicial races.

If you vote a “straight ticket” alone, you have not voted for judges. Posted here at not cost nor direction by Terry Bankert http://attorneybankert.com/

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